Dental and Oral Health (Children)

Is pulp test accurate?

01/31/2007

Question:

My 9 years old son`s front tooth was seriously injuried. The dentist put the tooth(adult tooth) back but after 3 hours the accident happened. He did pulp test yesterday and the injuried tooth was no response. The dentist told us to go back within 4 weeks and do a pulp test again. If the tooth still no response at that time, he will do root canal. Is the test accurate? Is there any hope for the nerve? Is there any treatment for improving the nerve? Is it necessary to do root canal? Thanks a lot! A worry mom.

Answer:

It is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis without examining your child; however, when teeth are seriously displaced, they almost ALWAYS need to have the nerves/blood vessels removed by a root canal. Follow up as your dentist has advised.

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